Description
R.I.O.T. is a perfect example of the alchemical process of transmutation. Sixteen riot helmets began their journey on the front lines of public disorder operations for law enforcement in the United Kingdom. It was important for the art project that the riot helmets were ex-issue, so they still retained the sweat, raw emotion and memory of the moments experienced by the wearer. As riot helmets they served two functions on the streets, firstly they helped protect police heads and, secondly, they helped produce an element of fear once deployed.
The curator’s objective was the reclamation of these riot helmets with the intention of bringing balance to these unloved objects by reversing the negative energy pent-up within each unit through the medium of art. What were once objects designed to elicit fear now trigger entirely different emotional responses. Sixteen international artists were specifically invited for their personal skill sets, from fine artists to street art graffiti artists; and tasked with transforming riot helmets into Peace Helmets.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
BUSK
Essex, United Kingdom
Busk (b. 1980s) is considered an old school graffiti writer (1980s). He developed a passion for creating art through drawing and painting letter forms. Despite the controversial nature of graffiti, Busk honed his skills in the streets, becoming known for his exceptional letter art forms. He painted walls and trains, gaining recognition for his unique style and technique. He retired shortly after to focus on painting legal walls with appearances at graffiti jams across London. Busk excels in various styles, including intricate designs, bold colours, and powerful murals. Forever experimenting with letter forms Busk is still pushing the art-form forward today.
